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Norway Seal 2026 World Cup Place With 4-1 Win Over Italy as Haaland Scores Late Brace

A flawless eight-win qualifying campaign secured top spot for Norway and consigned Italy to the March UEFA play-offs under Gennaro Gattuso.

Overview

  • Erling Haaland struck in the 78th and 79th minutes at the San Siro to turn the match and finish qualifying with 16 goals, equalling Robert Lewandowski’s group-stage record.
  • Norway’s first World Cup berth since 1998 was clinched with a perfect Group I record of eight wins and 24 points.
  • Italy led through Francesco Pio Esposito on 11 minutes before Antonio Nusa levelled, and Jørgen Strand Larsen added Norway’s fourth in stoppage time.
  • The visitors outscored opponents 37-5 across the campaign, completing a sweep that included two victories over the Azzurri.
  • Italy finished second and will enter the UEFA play-offs in March, with the upcoming draw to determine their route to the finals.